Synopsis: The American Occupational Therapy Association offers tips for reducing fall risk at home and in the community.

Quote:"An in-home assessment by an occupational therapy practitioner has been proven cost-effective in comparison to the cost of treating, rehabbing, and recovering from a fall."

Main Document

Falls are the leading cause of injury and accidental death in adults over the age of 65. Every 15 seconds, an older adults is treated in an emergency room for an injury related to a fall.

Falls and the fear of falling can cause decreased independence and disability.

Clutter, inappropriate footwear, poor balance, distractions, and tripping hazards can all contribute to a stumble or fall leading to serious injury and even death.

Occupational therapy practitioners play an essential role in reducing fall risk by addressing the physical, cognitive, and environmental factors that can lead to a fall.

"If the home or other environment is not supporting the person's abilities, the occupational therapist can provide an assessment and recommendations to make it safer and encourage participation in meaningful activities," says Karen Smith, OT, CAPS, Practice Associate for the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).

AOTA offers the following strategies to reduce your risk of falls:

Get an annual eye exam.

Add light to dimly lit areas.

Maintain a healthy sleep schedule.

Remove or firmly secure throw rugs.

Add railings and grab bars in trouble areas.

Identify and eliminate fall hazards in the home.

Stay active and participate in regular exercise.

Consult an occupational therapist for an individualized fall risk assessment.

An in-home assessment by an occupational therapy practitioner has been proven cost-effective in comparison to the cost of treating, rehabbing, and recovering from a fall. Anyone can request an in-home assessment to reduce their fall risk.

This year's Falls Prevention Awareness Day is Sept. 23, 2014 - the first day of fall.

Sponsored annually by the National Council On Aging, this year's theme, "Strong Today, Falls Free Tomorrow," seeks to unite professionals, older adults, caregivers, and family members to play a part in raising awareness and preventing falls in the older adult population.

Forty-three states participated in Falls Prevention Awareness Day last year, joining more than 70 national organizations.

AOTA will co-sponsor a Twitter chat at 2 p.m. EST, Sept. 23. Learn about preventing falls from medical experts and ask questions by following #FallsPrevention.

To listen to a podcast on this topic, visit www.aota.org/Practice/Researchers/Evidence-Podcast/Aging-Safely.aspx

Occupational therapy is a skilled health, rehabilitation, and educational service that helps people across the lifespan participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations). Every day across the U.S., occupational therapy practitioners work with older adults and caregivers to educate them on strategies and behaviors to reduce fall risk and facilitate maximum independence. This may include recommending and using home modifications and assistive technology to support aging in place.

Founded in 1917, the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) represents the professional interests and concerns of more than 180,000 occupational therapists, assistants, and students nationwide. The Association educates the public and advances the profession of occupational therapy by providing resources, setting standards including accreditations, and serving as an advocate to improve health care. Based in Bethesda, Md., AOTA's major programs and activities are directed toward promoting the professional development of its members and assuring consumer access to quality services so patients can maximize their individual potential. For more information, go to www.aota.org

To learn more about fall prevention, visit www.aota.org to download a tip sheet.

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